Are CEE and IEC 60309 the same thing?
The products commonly called “CEE plugs”, “industrial plugs and sockets” or “CEE form” connectors are standardised internationally in IEC 60309. The name “CEE” comes from the European specification in which these plugs were first defined (CEE 17); today the same system is applied as EN 60309 in Europe. In short, “CEE” is the everyday name for plugs and sockets that comply with IEC 60309.
The purpose of the standard is safe, error-free connection in industrial environments: a plug with a different voltage, current or phase arrangement physically cannot be inserted into the wrong socket.
Parts of IEC 60309
- IEC 60309-1: General safety and performance requirements for all industrial plugs, sockets and couplers (up to 1000 V and 800 A).
- IEC 60309-2: Dimensional interchangeability requirements for 16 A, 32 A, 63 A and 125 A accessories. The colour code and clock-position system are defined here.
- IEC 60309-4: Switched socket-outlets and connectors with or without interlock.
Colour codes: voltage at a glance
The housing colour of a CEE plug or socket shows the voltage range it is designed for.
| Colour | Voltage range (50/60 Hz) | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Violet | 20–25 V | Extra-low-voltage (ELV) circuits |
| White | 40–50 V | Extra-low-voltage (ELV) circuits |
| Yellow | 100–130 V | 110 V site supplies and power tools |
| Blue | 200–250 V | Single-phase equipment, caravans, campsites |
| Red | 380–480 V | Three-phase machinery and distribution |
| Black | 500–690 V | High-voltage industrial applications |
Green is used for frequencies above 60 Hz (for example 100–500 Hz).
Number of pins and system
| Pins | Contact arrangement | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| 3-pin | 2P+E (phase + neutral + earth) | Single-phase supply |
| 4-pin | 3P+E (3 phases + earth) | Three-phase loads without neutral (e.g. motors) |
| 5-pin | 3P+N+E (3 phases + neutral + earth) | Distribution feeding both three-phase and single-phase loads |
| 2 / 3-pin | 2P / 3P (no earth) | Extra-low-voltage (ELV) circuits |
How to read the number of pins together with the clock position is explained in detail in our guide to CEE pin configurations and clock positions.
What does the clock position (h) mean?
Looking at the socket from the front, the keyway is taken as the 6 o’clock position; the position of the earth contact relative to it is expressed in “hours”. 6h is the standard position for 200–250 V single-phase and 380–415 V three-phase systems; 4h is used for 100–130 V (yellow) systems. Different positions prevent different voltage and frequency combinations from being mixed up.
Current ratings: from 16 A to 400 A
The standard dimensions of IEC 60309-2 cover 16, 32, 63 and 125 A. Because each rating has different housing and pin dimensions, a 16 A plug cannot be inserted into a 32 A socket. Higher currents, 160 A and above, are manufactured under the general rules of IEC 60309-1. Alongside 16–125 A CEE products, the Bemis range includes 160 A and 200–400 A high-current plugs and sockets. Our guide to choosing by current rating helps you pick the right value.
Degree of protection: IP44 or IP67?
CEE products are usually available as IP44 (protected against splashing water) and IP67 (dust-tight and protected against temporary immersion). For the right choice in each environment, see the difference between IP44 and IP67.
Bemis CEE product groups
- CEE plugs and sockets: plugs, connectors, panel-mounted sockets, wall-mounted sockets and appliance inlets
- Switched interlocked sockets
- CEE adaptors
- High-current plugs and sockets
16 A 
32 A 
63 A 
125 A 
11 kW 
22 kW 
Type 2 
CCS2 
